At Student.com you can find and compare student accommodation in Manchester. Whether you’re looking for a shared or a private room or a fully self-contained studio, you can find your ideal student home here. Talk to one of our booking consultants if you want to find out more.
Explore Manchester
About
Making the move to Manchester? With top universities and one of the world's greatest cultural offerings, the ‘Capital of the North’ is a fantastic place to spend your student years. But to get the most of out of your university experience, it’s vital you find the right place to live.
That’s where Student.com comes in – we list a wide range of student accommodation in Manchester, with options for every budget in popular areas like Fallowfield, Rusholme and Hulme. Plus, our filter options make it easy to find properties that fit your needs!
Start browsing at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Manchester, including the best things to do, popular areas to live and top tips for booking accommodation...
Being a major global city and regional centre, Manchester boasts several internationally ranked universities, along with a host of specialist schools where you can hone your craft in a particular field of interest.
The University of Manchester is a true powerhouse – it's a regular feature among the world’s top 30 universities and places among the 10 best in the UK. On top of that, it’s a Russell Group member and a traditional ‘redbrick’ university, with a rich history dating back to 1824.
Home to over 40,000 students, the campus stretches out across Oxford Road in South Manchester. With top-tier facilities, a legendary social scene and superb rankings across a score of subjects, the university really is an all-rounder.
Secured your place at the city’s top university? Check out our University of Manchester accommodation!
The second of Manchester’s two major universities, Manchester Metropolitan University (also known as ‘MMU’ or ‘Manchester Met’) has grown rapidly since gaining full university status in 1992 and now has over 40,000 students on its books.
A former polytechnic, Manchester Met focuses on career-focused learning with strong rankings in fields like architecture, art and design, business and sport science. The main campus is ideally placed just south of the city centre, up the road from the University of Manchester.
Heading to Manchester Met and need somewhere to live? Browse our range of MMU accommodation!
Based just 10 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre, the University of Salford is another major university with over 20,000 students to its name. Like Manchester Met, it places strong emphasis on career skills with many courses involving work placements and internships.
The main campus boasts lots of green space and backs onto the River Irvell, giving it a more relaxed and intimate feel. The university performs especially well in the creative arts, architecture, geography and environmental management.
Starting your course at the university soon? We have lots of options for university accommodation near the University of Salford!
There are plenty of other options beyond the three main universities listed above. While primarily based in Bolton, the University of Greater Manchester has its own campus in South Manchester where you study full-time towards your degree.
A collaborative effort between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan, Manchester School of Architecture is widely considered one of the best architecture schools in the world. The University of Law and BPP University also have their own campuses in the city.
Manchester offers a wealth of things for students to do – from live music and legendary nightlife to top-class museums and restaurants, you won’t struggle to fill your free time outside of lectures.
Manchester’s cultural scene is nothing short of iconic. The city is perhaps best known for its contributions to music – tag along to a walking tour through the city and see the spots where bands like The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Oasis made their mark.
The Northern Quarter – with its street art, vintage shops and independent galleries – is a creative hub made for wandering around. Other top art galleries include the Whitworth and Manchester Art Gallery, while the Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the UK’s best theatres.
Manchester has a fascinating history, playing a central part in the Industrial Revolution. The Science and Industry Museum tells the story of how Manchester became the world's first industrial city, with working steam engines and interactive exhibits.
The People's History Museum is brilliant for understanding how ordinary people fought for workers' rights and democracy, while the Pankhurst Centre celebrates the suffragettes who started their campaign right here in Manchester.
Manchester's food scene is absolutely booming, with everything from cheap eats to world-class restaurants for a fancy night out. The Northern Quarter and Ancoats are two foodie havens, packed with independent cafes, trendy brunch spots and innovative restaurants.
You'll also find lots of amazing international food – Rusholme's "Curry Mile" is legendary for authentic South Asian cuisine, while Chinatown offers some of the best Chinese food outside London. The Arndale Market and Mackie Mayor are perfect for quick, affordable meals with loads of variety.
Manchester's nightlife is legendary – this is the city that gave the world acid house and Madchester, and it's still going strong! The Warehouse Project is world-famous for electronic music, while nightclubs like FAC251, Ark, 42’s and Venue are packed with students midweek.
If clubbing isn’t really your thing, head out to Printworks – an epic entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester. This old publishing house now boasts a movie theatre, a gym with a swimming pool and various bars and restaurants. There's even a secret rooftop garden!
If you want a break from the hectic city life, it’s easy to head out of town and enjoy some of the best nature the UK has to offer, with the famous Peak District National Park close by and the Lake District also accessible for weekends away.
Closer to home, Heaton Park – one of the largest municipal parks in Europe – is perfect for festivals, sports or just chilling out. Platt Fields Park near Fallowfield is another student favourite, while Castlefield Basin offers canalside walks and outdoor drinking in summer.
Manchester is a big city made up of dozens of different neighbourhoods. Students tend to congregate around a handful of suburbs in the south of the city, offering good access to the two main universities.
Fallowfield is Manchester’s student capital and the kind of place that’s synonymous with the UK university experience – think terraced homes converted into flats, late-night takeaway spots, a few budget supermarkets and several pubs and bars.
It’s especially popular as a student accommodation location with University of Manchester students, but you’ll also find lots of Manchester Met students living here – it's roughly a 20-minute journey by bus to both universities and slightly longer to the city centre.
Just north of Fallowfield, Rusholme is another popular student area that's a bit closer to the two universities and the city centre. This multicultural neighbourhood is famous for its Curry Mile along Wilmslow Road and has a wide array of international shops, cafes and bars.
Student housing ranges from traditional terraced houses to modern apartment blocks, with prices on par with Fallowfield and less than more central areas. If you don’t want to be surrounded by students all the time – like in Fallowfield – it's a great option.
Based just south of the city centre, Hulme is a former industrial area that's undergone massive regeneration and now stands as one of Manchester’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It’s packed with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, while Hulme Park offers quality green space.
The inner-city location puts both universities within walking distance – a major perk for many students. It’s a hotspot for purpose-built student accommodation, which tends to be on the more expensive side, but comes with lots of great on-site facilities.
Manchester is one of the most affordable major UK cities, with costs lower than popular student destinations like London, Bristol and Edinburgh. Student rent typically ranges from £175–£250 per week – Fallowfield and Rusholme offer the best value, while the city centre is more expensive.
The combined monthly cost of food, socialising and other living expenses typically amounts to £600–£800. Adding this together, students can expect to spend between £1,300–£1,800 per month, depending on how frugal you are.
Manchester has plenty of fantastic free activities – ideal for the days when your student budget is running low. Many of the city’s top museums and galleries are free, including the Whitworth, Manchester Art Gallery, the People’s History Museum and the Science and Industry Museum.
Over on the University of Manchester campus, the spectacular John Rylands Library is worth a visit for its striking neo-Gothic architecture and rare collections. You can also join a walking tour of the Northern Quarter, which usually run on a tip-only basis.
Countless attractions throughout Manchester offer discounted rates to students. Highlights include the National Football Museum and SEA LIFE Manchester, along with leisure experiences like Chaos Karts, Junkyard Golf Club and NQ64.
Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans unlock additional discounts at shops, restaurants and leisure complexes across the city – make sure you’re signed up and have your QR code ready to scan ahead of your next trip to Manchester Arndale!
Manchester’s public transport system makes getting around easy for students. You’ve got the bus and tram for travelling around the city, and trains for nearby towns and weekend trips to other UK cities.
Manchester's Metrolink tram system is super extensive – it’s made up of several lines which criss-cross through the city centre and run all the way to neighbouring towns like Bury, Rochdale and Altrincham.
Trams run every 12 minutes during peak times and are much faster than buses for longer journeys. A single journey costs around £1.50–£3.50 depending on distance, with weekly and monthly student passes offering even better value.
Manchester bus network extends all over the city and covers areas not directly served by the tram. It’s especially handy for navigating the south of the city, where most students live and tram services are more limited.
A single journey typically costs £1–£2, and like the tram you can purchase weekly and monthly passes for better value. Key routes for students include the 147 and 142, which connect Fallowfield and Rusholme to the city centre.
The train is your go-to for day trips and weekends away in other UK cities. Liverpool is just 30 minutes away; Leeds is roughly an hour and the fastest train to London takes around two hours.
There are also lots of stations dotted around Manchester’s inner city and suburbs – key ones for students include Oxford Road, Salford and East Didsbury – providing another option for getting around.
Manchester is generally a very safe place for students, especially in student hubs like Fallowfield and Hulme. These areas are well lit and regularly patrolled, with comparatively low crime rates. As in any major city, it’s still wise to use common sense – avoid walking alone late at night, keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
Manchester’s large student population means there’s consistent demand for accommodation, but you should still be able to find somewhere to live even if you book late. The most desirable properties in Fallowfield are often booked as early as January, while student residences closer to the city centre typically have availability through to summer.
Accommodation costs vary considerably depending on the area. A traditional flat share in Fallowfield may only cost £135 per week, while a modern apartment in the city centre could fetch as much as £350 per week. The accommodation we list in Manchester typically ranges from £175–£250 per week.
For University of Manchester and Manchester Met students, Fallowfield has long been the top choice for private accommodation, with neighbouring Rusholme also growing in popularity. Closer to the city centre, Hulme offers a range of modern student residences and an excellent location.
If you’re planning on studying in Manchester and currently live outside the UK or Ireland, you’ll generally need to apply for a student visa. Most Manchester universities have dedicated international offices who can support you with this. You can also read more about the process here.
For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Explore Manchester
Universities
Explore Manchester
Making the move to Manchester? With top universities and one of the world's greatest cultural offerings, the ‘Capital of the North’ is a fantastic place to spend your student years. But to get the most of out of your university experience, it’s vital you find the right place to live.
That’s where Student.com comes in – we list a wide range of student accommodation in Manchester, with options for every budget in popular areas like Fallowfield, Rusholme and Hulme. Plus, our filter options make it easy to find properties that fit your needs!
Start browsing at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in Manchester, including the best things to do, popular areas to live and top tips for booking accommodation...
Being a major global city and regional centre, Manchester boasts several internationally ranked universities, along with a host of specialist schools where you can hone your craft in a particular field of interest.
The University of Manchester is a true powerhouse – it's a regular feature among the world’s top 30 universities and places among the 10 best in the UK. On top of that, it’s a Russell Group member and a traditional ‘redbrick’ university, with a rich history dating back to 1824.
Home to over 40,000 students, the campus stretches out across Oxford Road in South Manchester. With top-tier facilities, a legendary social scene and superb rankings across a score of subjects, the university really is an all-rounder.
Secured your place at the city’s top university? Check out our University of Manchester accommodation!
The second of Manchester’s two major universities, Manchester Metropolitan University (also known as ‘MMU’ or ‘Manchester Met’) has grown rapidly since gaining full university status in 1992 and now has over 40,000 students on its books.
A former polytechnic, Manchester Met focuses on career-focused learning with strong rankings in fields like architecture, art and design, business and sport science. The main campus is ideally placed just south of the city centre, up the road from the University of Manchester.
Heading to Manchester Met and need somewhere to live? Browse our range of MMU accommodation!
Based just 10 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre, the University of Salford is another major university with over 20,000 students to its name. Like Manchester Met, it places strong emphasis on career skills with many courses involving work placements and internships.
The main campus boasts lots of green space and backs onto the River Irvell, giving it a more relaxed and intimate feel. The university performs especially well in the creative arts, architecture, geography and environmental management.
Starting your course at the university soon? We have lots of options for university accommodation near the University of Salford!
There are plenty of other options beyond the three main universities listed above. While primarily based in Bolton, the University of Greater Manchester has its own campus in South Manchester where you study full-time towards your degree.
A collaborative effort between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan, Manchester School of Architecture is widely considered one of the best architecture schools in the world. The University of Law and BPP University also have their own campuses in the city.
Manchester offers a wealth of things for students to do – from live music and legendary nightlife to top-class museums and restaurants, you won’t struggle to fill your free time outside of lectures.
Manchester’s cultural scene is nothing short of iconic. The city is perhaps best known for its contributions to music – tag along to a walking tour through the city and see the spots where bands like The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Oasis made their mark.
The Northern Quarter – with its street art, vintage shops and independent galleries – is a creative hub made for wandering around. Other top art galleries include the Whitworth and Manchester Art Gallery, while the Royal Exchange Theatre is one of the UK’s best theatres.
Manchester has a fascinating history, playing a central part in the Industrial Revolution. The Science and Industry Museum tells the story of how Manchester became the world's first industrial city, with working steam engines and interactive exhibits.
The People's History Museum is brilliant for understanding how ordinary people fought for workers' rights and democracy, while the Pankhurst Centre celebrates the suffragettes who started their campaign right here in Manchester.
Manchester's food scene is absolutely booming, with everything from cheap eats to world-class restaurants for a fancy night out. The Northern Quarter and Ancoats are two foodie havens, packed with independent cafes, trendy brunch spots and innovative restaurants.
You'll also find lots of amazing international food – Rusholme's "Curry Mile" is legendary for authentic South Asian cuisine, while Chinatown offers some of the best Chinese food outside London. The Arndale Market and Mackie Mayor are perfect for quick, affordable meals with loads of variety.
Manchester's nightlife is legendary – this is the city that gave the world acid house and Madchester, and it's still going strong! The Warehouse Project is world-famous for electronic music, while nightclubs like FAC251, Ark, 42’s and Venue are packed with students midweek.
If clubbing isn’t really your thing, head out to Printworks – an epic entertainment complex in the heart of Manchester. This old publishing house now boasts a movie theatre, a gym with a swimming pool and various bars and restaurants. There's even a secret rooftop garden!
If you want a break from the hectic city life, it’s easy to head out of town and enjoy some of the best nature the UK has to offer, with the famous Peak District National Park close by and the Lake District also accessible for weekends away.
Closer to home, Heaton Park – one of the largest municipal parks in Europe – is perfect for festivals, sports or just chilling out. Platt Fields Park near Fallowfield is another student favourite, while Castlefield Basin offers canalside walks and outdoor drinking in summer.
Manchester is a big city made up of dozens of different neighbourhoods. Students tend to congregate around a handful of suburbs in the south of the city, offering good access to the two main universities.
Fallowfield is Manchester’s student capital and the kind of place that’s synonymous with the UK university experience – think terraced homes converted into flats, late-night takeaway spots, a few budget supermarkets and several pubs and bars.
It’s especially popular as a student accommodation location with University of Manchester students, but you’ll also find lots of Manchester Met students living here – it's roughly a 20-minute journey by bus to both universities and slightly longer to the city centre.
Just north of Fallowfield, Rusholme is another popular student area that's a bit closer to the two universities and the city centre. This multicultural neighbourhood is famous for its Curry Mile along Wilmslow Road and has a wide array of international shops, cafes and bars.
Student housing ranges from traditional terraced houses to modern apartment blocks, with prices on par with Fallowfield and less than more central areas. If you don’t want to be surrounded by students all the time – like in Fallowfield – it's a great option.
Based just south of the city centre, Hulme is a former industrial area that's undergone massive regeneration and now stands as one of Manchester’s trendiest neighbourhoods. It’s packed with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, while Hulme Park offers quality green space.
The inner-city location puts both universities within walking distance – a major perk for many students. It’s a hotspot for purpose-built student accommodation, which tends to be on the more expensive side, but comes with lots of great on-site facilities.
Manchester is one of the most affordable major UK cities, with costs lower than popular student destinations like London, Bristol and Edinburgh. Student rent typically ranges from £175–£250 per week – Fallowfield and Rusholme offer the best value, while the city centre is more expensive.
The combined monthly cost of food, socialising and other living expenses typically amounts to £600–£800. Adding this together, students can expect to spend between £1,300–£1,800 per month, depending on how frugal you are.
Manchester has plenty of fantastic free activities – ideal for the days when your student budget is running low. Many of the city’s top museums and galleries are free, including the Whitworth, Manchester Art Gallery, the People’s History Museum and the Science and Industry Museum.
Over on the University of Manchester campus, the spectacular John Rylands Library is worth a visit for its striking neo-Gothic architecture and rare collections. You can also join a walking tour of the Northern Quarter, which usually run on a tip-only basis.
Countless attractions throughout Manchester offer discounted rates to students. Highlights include the National Football Museum and SEA LIFE Manchester, along with leisure experiences like Chaos Karts, Junkyard Golf Club and NQ64.
Apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans unlock additional discounts at shops, restaurants and leisure complexes across the city – make sure you’re signed up and have your QR code ready to scan ahead of your next trip to Manchester Arndale!
Manchester’s public transport system makes getting around easy for students. You’ve got the bus and tram for travelling around the city, and trains for nearby towns and weekend trips to other UK cities.
Manchester's Metrolink tram system is super extensive – it’s made up of several lines which criss-cross through the city centre and run all the way to neighbouring towns like Bury, Rochdale and Altrincham.
Trams run every 12 minutes during peak times and are much faster than buses for longer journeys. A single journey costs around £1.50–£3.50 depending on distance, with weekly and monthly student passes offering even better value.
Manchester bus network extends all over the city and covers areas not directly served by the tram. It’s especially handy for navigating the south of the city, where most students live and tram services are more limited.
A single journey typically costs £1–£2, and like the tram you can purchase weekly and monthly passes for better value. Key routes for students include the 147 and 142, which connect Fallowfield and Rusholme to the city centre.
The train is your go-to for day trips and weekends away in other UK cities. Liverpool is just 30 minutes away; Leeds is roughly an hour and the fastest train to London takes around two hours.
There are also lots of stations dotted around Manchester’s inner city and suburbs – key ones for students include Oxford Road, Salford and East Didsbury – providing another option for getting around.
Manchester is generally a very safe place for students, especially in student hubs like Fallowfield and Hulme. These areas are well lit and regularly patrolled, with comparatively low crime rates. As in any major city, it’s still wise to use common sense – avoid walking alone late at night, keep valuables secure and stay aware of your surroundings.
Manchester’s large student population means there’s consistent demand for accommodation, but you should still be able to find somewhere to live even if you book late. The most desirable properties in Fallowfield are often booked as early as January, while student residences closer to the city centre typically have availability through to summer.
Accommodation costs vary considerably depending on the area. A traditional flat share in Fallowfield may only cost £135 per week, while a modern apartment in the city centre could fetch as much as £350 per week. The accommodation we list in Manchester typically ranges from £175–£250 per week.
For University of Manchester and Manchester Met students, Fallowfield has long been the top choice for private accommodation, with neighbouring Rusholme also growing in popularity. Closer to the city centre, Hulme offers a range of modern student residences and an excellent location.
If you’re planning on studying in Manchester and currently live outside the UK or Ireland, you’ll generally need to apply for a student visa. Most Manchester universities have dedicated international offices who can support you with this. You can also read more about the process here.
For information on how the booking process works, click here. We also have answers to a range of other questions on our FAQ page. If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us!